My mom has skin cancer

[kittywitty]

I just found out. What can I do to help her? Support her?

I was thinking of buying her some mineral sunscreen and UV protective clothing. She has a job where she works with a road crew and is outside all summer during all daylight hours. She has no choice but to keep her job. Would either of these things even help?

[lakeruby]

I think that both of those things would help and would be very sweet. Skin cancer runs in my family, too.

How is her diet? You might also try to help her eat healthfully when she's going through treatment-- (cancer cells thrive on sugar!) and I know when I'm stressed I tend to reach for sugary or junky foods, so it would be great if she had someone to bring her chicken soup and veggies!

Hopefully they caught this early and she will be just fine!

[jazzharmony]

What type of skin cancer is it? I have had skin cancer myself and it feels scary when you first get diagnosed. I am vigilant about wearing a hat in the sun and using sun protective clothing. Sending support to you and your mom

[amcal]

Do you know what type of skin cancer? Melanoma or basal or squamous cell?

I had melanoma last year and it's terrifying. The best thing you can do it be there to talk to her as she goes through it. Melanoma is serious and super scary and will most likely will require surgery and possible additional treatment.

If it's basal or squamous cell it's serious but, rarely involves more than mohs type surgery.

Your mom does need to be extremely vigilant to keep her skin protected. SPF clothing is good but, really, denim works just as well and blocks 100% of UV rays. The rule of thumb is if you can hold the fabric up to the light and see light through the fabric then UV rays can get through. Also, darker colors repel the UV rays whereas light colors absorb the UV rays.

I do have a sun protection jacket from Coolibar but, I have several denim shirts that I carry in my car and I cover up anytime out and about.

Also, if she's in her car a lot, she may want to consider getting her windows tinted. It doesn't matter how dark but, the film itself blocks 99% of UV rays.

[kittywitty]

Thanks. She just found out today and goes Thursday to get it biopsied and removed, I believe. She seems to be in shock and was a little confused as to what they're doing exactly. So I don't know what kind yet.

I wish I could be there for her, but we live 5 hours away and I have $0 until Friday and she has to go Thursday-so I can't make the long drive. I feel terrible about it, but even our credit card is cancelled now, so no backup emergency money until our taxes FINALLY come.

[amcal]

Well, surgery for melanoma will be significantly different from surgery for basal or squamous cell.

The very first thing you need to know is why type of cancer. That will make all the difference in the world. Get her to call her doctor and give you permission to call them yourself. The second you hear "cancer" your brain shuts down. She'll need another pair of ears to get information and ask questions.

If it's melanoma, her initial pathology report should give you a lot of information. If you want to PM me her results, I can help you interpret them. I'm not a doctor but, have spent a tremendous time talking to some great cancer specialists at the University of Arizona and have some basic knowledge.

[kittywitty]

I just called and she said it's just a biopsy thursday (they called to confirm time) and they don't know what kind of cells yet. I will post back when I know.

[amcal]

Then I wonder how they know it's skin cancer? The only way they can tell this for sure is by a biopsy.

Also, make sure they do not do a shave biopsy - make sure they do an excision biopsy.

A shave biopsy shaves off the top of the skin to determine if it's actually cancer. But, it leaves the rest and there is some thought that disturbing a cancerous lesion this way may "activate" the cancer. It also makes staging the cancer more difficult and staging is super important to prognosis and treatment.

My dermatologist and oncologist have both said that I am never to allow a shave biopsy - only an excision biopsy where they cut around the area. This gives them a much better picture of what they're dealing with.

Many prayers for your mom.

[kittywitty]

The color and irregularity is what she said. They said they're 99% sure it is, and she has other spots. I will tell her about the excision.

[amcal]

I'm glad your mom has you. It's not easy but, if caught early, skin cancer has a great survival rate.

I'm glad you're going to tell her about the excision. They may still have to go back in and excise more to make sure they get clean margins and, there is a certain diameter they need to go around the cancer but, an excision will really help them know what they're dealing with.

I'm here if I can help in any way. Prayers for your family.

[kittywitty]

I just talked to her and it's excision.

[amcal]

Good! That will give you the best information to know what you're dealing with. Lots of prayers that it's not melanoma and if it is, that they've caught it super early.

[newmum35]

Has anyone heard of cansema or black salve?

have some links that might be of interest

http://www.naturalnews.com/027750_Greg_Caton_FDA.html

http://angryscientist.wordpress.com/...n-of-melanoma/

[amcal]

How did your mom's biopsy go?

[kittywitty]

Thanks, newmom35. I will check that out.

She had the biopsy yesterday and she said it went well. They think it's basal? I think that's what she said but the biopsy results weren't in last time we talked. I ordered her some mineral sunscreen and have been trying to help find her UV shirts to wear.

[FrannieP]

I would encourage your mom to keep her immune system healthy.

I just read this article on Dr. Mercola's site that you might find interesting:
Your Immune System Can Keep Cancer Dormant

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[amcal]

Just wanted to check and see how your mom is doing?